Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 11
गजासुरतपः–देवलोकक्षोभः
Gajāsura’s Austerities and the Disturbance of the Worlds
देवा ऊचुः । विधे गजासुरतपस्तप्ता वयमथाकुलाः । न शक्नुमो दिवि स्थातुमतस्ते शरणं गताः
devā ūcuḥ | vidhe gajāsuratapastaptā vayamathākulāḥ | na śaknumo divi sthātumataste śaraṇaṃ gatāḥ
Die Devas sprachen: „O Ordner (Brahmā), von den Askesen Gajāsuras versengt, sind wir bedrängt und verwirrt. Wir können nicht einmal im Himmel verweilen; darum sind wir zu dir als Zuflucht gekommen.“
The Devas (gods), addressing Brahmā (Vidhātā)
Tattva Level: pashu
Type: stotra
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) when worldly power—even heavenly status—fails; in Shaiva understanding, such crisis matures humility and turns beings toward the higher Lord (Pati) beyond limited celestial authority.
The Devas first approach Brahmā as the cosmic ordainer, but the Yuddhakhaṇḍa narrative typically culminates in turning toward Shiva’s supreme protection; Linga/Saguna Shiva worship embodies this movement from fear to refuge in the Lord who grants stability beyond heaven.
The takeaway is refuge through prayer and mantra-japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—as a Shaiva practice for steadiness when disturbed by powerful forces (inner or outer).